Mariners Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Astros Tonight

Houston, Texas – The Seattle Mariners will attempt to keep their streak of dominance alive against the Houston Astros tonight at Minute Maid Park. The Mariners have won all four series in Houston during the previous two seasons and hold an impressive 10-3 record with a +39 run differential.

After suffering a 9-2 defeat in the series opener last night, the Mariners must win the next three games to maintain their winning streak against the Astros. Earlier in the season, the Mariners took two of three games from Houston in Seattle, which sparked a run of nine consecutive series victories. Since that match on April 7, the team has posted a record of 25-14 and is currently 7-1 in road series this year.

On the mound for the Mariners tonight is Emerson Hancock, who recently achieved a personal best, averaging a fastball velocity of 96 mph in his last outing against the San Diego Padres. Despite pitching well, Hancock allowed a solo home run and struggled with hard hits, leading to a 55% hard-hit rate against him. His current ERA sits at 4.68, with a FIP of 4.95 and a xwOBA of .368, placing him near the bottom of the league statistics. However, the Mariners have been successful, with a record of 5-1 in his starts.

Rookie Ryan Gusto will start for the Astros. He has fluctuated between starting and relieving this season, remaining more effective out of the bullpen. In five starts, Gusto holds a 6.33 ERA and has an xwOBA of .362 against him.

The game is set to begin at 5:10 p.m. PDT. Fans can tune in to ROOT Sports NW for live coverage with commentators Ryan Rowland-Smith, Aaron Goldsmith, and Jay Buhner, while sideline reporting will be handled by Brad Adam. The radio broadcast can be heard on 710 AM Seattle Sports with Gary Hill Jr. and Rick Rizzs.